6 Questions with Director of Athletics, Diana Parente

Flint Hill’s 2018-2019 school year is officially underway, and there are several new faces among our faculty and staff. Throughout the month of September, we will use the headmaster’s section of the Weekly Newsletter to get to know some of them.

Where are you originally from and what is your background?
I was born in Long Island, New York and lived my whole life in New York until three years ago, so I am a New Yorker through and through. My background is of course in athletics. My father worked in professional sports, so for as long as I can remember I wanted to be just like him.  After graduating from college I decided to go into teaching because I loved history and I wanted to coach I got into athletic administration because in 2009, New York City Public Schools went into a major Title IX lawsuit and they needed someone to bring the district into compliance.  Equity in sport is something I care deeply about so I applied for the job and that marked the beginning of my athletic administrator career. From there I went onto be the deputy director of athletics for New York City Public Schools and most recently was the executive director of athletics for the District of Columbia Public Schools.

What attracted you to your position at Flint Hill?
The student-athletes! For the past eight years, I have worked for large urban districts as an athletic administrator and not directly with students. However, I started my career as a teacher and coach. After eight years, I really missed working with student-athletes and when I met the students at Flint Hill I knew this would be a great place for me.

What are your initial impressions of Flint Hill and its community?
It has been wonderful. Everyone is very friendly and I feel very welcomed. I have really enjoyed getting to know our Flint Hill community and attending our matches when the weather has not been an issue!

What are you hoping to accomplish during your first year?
I hope to do my best to make sure that our student-athletes have the best experience possible while attending Flint Hill.

What are you most looking forward to?
Watching the student-athletes compete. I really love to watch sports and there is nothing better than cheering for your students.

Now for the fun part — what sorts of hobbies or fun activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Since having my son, my hobbies really revolve around playing with my two-year-old. There is nothing better than seeing the smile on his face. When I am not being a mom, I still love to play soccer on my women’s team, go out dinner with my friends and husband and hiking.